10 Classic Cocktails Every Home Bartender Should Know

The Old Fashioned is the grandfather of cocktails: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel. Simple yet perfect. The Margarita balances tequila with lime and triple sec in a salt-rimmed glass. The Daiquiri is just rum, lime juice, and simple syrup, shaken until frosty. The Negroni equals parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, creating a perfectly bitter aperitivo. The Manhattan combines rye whiskey with sweet vermouth and bitters for a sophisticated sipper. The Martini needs only gin and dry vermouth, stirred not shaken. The Mojito layers mint, lime, sugar, rum, and soda water for refreshing perfection. The Whiskey Sour adds lemon juice and simple syrup to whiskey, often with an egg white for silkiness. The Espresso Martini shakes vodka with coffee liqueur and fresh espresso. The French 75 tops gin and lemon juice with champagne for celebratory elegance.